Greece taken to EU court again over wastewater

Energy News — The European Commission is taking Greece to the Court of Justice over poor wastewater treatment again.

The country was previously found guilty in 2004 and still hasn’t addressed the problem, the Commission said.

It states the lack of adequate treatment systems in the area of Thriasio Pedio poses risks to human health, inland waters and the marine environment.

The Commission is asking the court to impose a lump sum of nearly €16 million (£11m) from the date of the first judgement until it has resolved the violation or until the second decision.

It is also proposing a daily fine of €34,974 (£25k) which would be paid from the date of the court ruling.

Despite some progress, only 28% of the urban wastewater is collected and treated before being discharged into the Gulf of Elefsina, the Commission claims.

It adds: “The collection rate has almost not improved since July 2012 when the wastewater treatment facility started operating.”

Last year the Commission referred Greece to the Court of Justice for poor treatment of hazardous waste.